What do they want in the next SFWMD executive director?

“Somebody who really understands Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, not just (Indian River Lagoon) plan, but the whole plan. If that’s not a top priority, if the board isn’t given leadership to understand it, then the St. Lucie River is dead. ... Unfortunately, whether it’s a political background or not, that person has to have a fantastic sense of politics because otherwise you won’t get the right thing done. The forces against it understand politics and have a political background. If the forces for it don’t understand the politics, than the good things aren’t going to happen.” — Maggy Hurchalla, environmentalist and former Martin County commissioner

“Executive directors over the years have come from a variety of backgrounds and have done an excellent job while serving in water management. There is no particular background preference as scientists, long-term employees, management and a number of other professions have all done a good job leading the agency. “Gov. Rick Scott has appointed some outstanding people to water management boards, college boards and other positions across the state. Again, we are confident that they will hire the right people and we will be supportive of those decisions.” — Judy Sanchez, U.S. Sugar Corp. spokeswoman

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“They should have some sort of background in science and engineering. It requires a real technical knowledge to be in that position.” — Mark Perry, Florida Oceanographic Society executive director

“What I’m hoping to find is someone who has an environmentalist background, and that might not be found. I don’t think there are any representatives on the board or executive directors at this time that have an environmental background, and to me the situation is environmental. I think it’s really important to have good people skills. I think it’s almost like being a good politician. You have to be able to take criticism and you have to be able to have very, very unhappy people in front of you, people that you might not be able to do anything for. But at the same time, you have to be able to show empathy and understanding, and if you can’t do that what happens is relationships just get worse and worse, and if you can show that relationships get better. This business, like any business, is based on relationships.” — Jacqui Thurlow-Lippisch, Sewall’s Point commissioner

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“Right now it’s the hit-the-ground-running experience, somebody that knows how to run an agency but also (is) familiar with the state of Florida, familiar with how things work, how our system works. ... You’re always looking for that perfect balance and it’s going to be someone who’s comfortable around a budget scenario.” — Kevin Powers, South Florida Water Management District board member

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“I think that the ship is headed in the right direction and that team will continue to move it forward. I hope that there won’t be a lot of change. I think staff likes stability. Of course, you can’t force that, but that’s what I hope.” — Melissa Meeker, South Florida Water Management District former executive director

“I would like to see someone who’s not connected to (agriculture) or real estate or development, someone who is more in touch with most Floridians who just want clean water and see it managed well. ... That’s pretty much my expectation in a nutshell and, like I say, I’m not real optimistic that they will find anybody like that.” — Kevin Stinnette, Conservation Alliance of St. Lucie County board member

“I will be terribly disappointed if they don’t attract a truly brilliant manager/administrator who’s got a clean record when it comes to being pressured by Big Ag. ... Clean, honest, decisive, vigorous administrator, proven record. Doesn’t have to be an engineer (but someone) who can understand engineering, understand the environmental consequences of what we have done to the Everglades, what we’re trying to do to restore the Everglades and share that enthusiasm among the 16 counties in South Florida and keep peace with the board and very importantly, with the governor.” — Nathaniel Reed, Everglades Foundation vice chairman

“(The person should be) honest; that’s hard to come by because they wouldn’t be selected if there weren’t what we would consider conflicts living here on the St. Lucie. I fully believe that the South Florida Water Management District is completely controlled by agriculture, by sugar specifically. I don’t think we’re getting a fair shake here on the St. Lucie.” — Marty Baum, Indian Riverkeeper